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While there have been quite a few benefits to staying in Ann Arbor over the summer, the opening of the new Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center has definitely topped the list. Boasting five floors of equipment and facilities, the much-anticipated arrival to campus has something for everyone. Whether you are learning bouldering in the new climbing center, taking a cycling class, or playing soccer on the turf court, the Hadley Center is ready to support your wellness journey. Here are a few of my favorite features of the new Hadley Center!

The Climbing and Aquatic Centers

Impossible to miss, the climbing center is undoubtedly the most impressive addition to the Hadley Center. The massive wall rises 52 feet and boasts various climbing experiences built with varying difficulty to suit beginners and pros alike. There is a 18-foot bouldering portion, perfect for those looking to climb without the height, towering ropes courses, and a section for speed climbing for those who want to compete with friends.

Near the back of the building, the aquatics center is home to three different pools; a nine-lane 25-yard lap pool, a recreation pool with a circular vortex area, and a warm recovery pool for students to use after an intense swim or to relax after a workout. The area also boasts steam and sauna rooms for a similar purpose.

The Gymnasiums, Studios, and Cycling

One of my favorite aspects of the Hadley Center is its capacity for students to build community while prioritizing wellness. For example, the Michigan Gymnasium and the Wolverine Gymnasium are perfect for any pick-up game or rec league and are located on the southern end of the building. They are very spacious, capable of hosting a variety of activities simultaneously (like basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball), and also serve as an event space.

No matter the hour, you can almost always find a group of students playing soccer on the well-loved second-level turf court, and students using one of the six multi-purpose studio spaces for workout classes, dance practices, and anything in between. Another new feature to the Hadley Center is the studio for spin/cycling classes that includes 25 bikes and a sound and lighting system.

These spaces, along with the numerous lounge areas for students to socialize, promote both physical and mental well-being.

Other Features

As someone who is always using a cardio machine in my workout sessions, I particularly enjoy the new cardio and fitness equipment in the new Hadley Center, as well as the track that runs overhead the gymnasium. There are plenty of new machines and equipment for people to try scattered through the five floors, each with a different atmosphere to suit your needs. For many students, the fitness facility also creates a new opportunity to learn an activity or sport that they may not have otherwise, like the racquetball and squash courts in the lower level of the center.

As the student population grows, the University of Michigan now has a fitness facility that is ready to grow with it. The Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center is equipped with everything that a new or veteran gym-goer could need and is ready to welcome new and returning students in the fall.